Nutramigen baby formula recalled over possible bacterial contamination

Reckitt/Mead Johnson Nutrition issued a voluntary recall for baby formula that may be contaminated with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria, the Food and Drug Administration said Sunday.

While there have been no reports of illnesses connected to Nutramigen Hypoallergenic Powdered Infant Formula products, the company said there was a possibility of Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria contamination in products sampled outside the U.S.

Illnesses connected to Cronobacter are rare, but they can be deadly in infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cronobacter sakazakii, a germ found naturally in the environment, can live in dry foods, including powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas and starches. Powdered formula can get contaminated in the home after being opened.